Council amends annexation code to allow streamlined annexation process when owners and local electors consent

The Hermiston City Council adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 150 of the municipal code to reflect a statute that allows a streamlined annexation process when certain consent thresholds are met. Planning staff explained the change: under state law, when 100% of property owners petition to annex and at least 50% of the electors in the annexation area consent, a city may dispense with the usual public hearings and annex by ordinance directly.

Planning staff said the streamlined option is most likely to apply to single‑lot annexations — for example, developments where the owner petitions to connect to city sewer or subdivisions of vacant land — and would not eliminate council oversight. Staff said the change could save about 90 days and approximately $2,000 in fees and hearing costs for qualifying petitions. Council discussed pros and cons, including whether hearings provide useful public input; staff noted the council would still consider the annexation ordinance and the public would retain an opportunity to comment when the ordinance is adopted.

Council adopted the ordinance on second reading 5–1, with Councilor Linton opposed. Staff said the amendment simply gives applicants an additional, statutorily permitted option in appropriate circumstances and does not eliminate the council’s final decision-making authority.